Watching scary movies can actually help to burn calories, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Westminster in London.

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Researchers measured the total energy expenditure of 10 people as they watched a selection of horror films. Scientists recorded their heart rate, oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output and discovered the number of calories used increased by, on average, a third during the movies.

"Each of the 10 films tested set pulses racing, sparking an increase in the heart rate of the case studies," said Dr. Richard Mackenzie, senior lecturer and specialist in cell metabolism and physiology at the University of Westminster. "As the pulse quickens and blood pumps around the body faster, the body experiences a surge in adrenaline. It is this release of fast-acting adrenaline, produced during short bursts of intense stress (or, in this case, brought on by fear), which is known to lower the appetite, increase the basal metabolic rate and ultimately burn a higher level of calories."

The study showed that watching the 1980 psychological thriller "The Shining" burns the most calories, followed by 1975's "Jaws" and 1973's "The Exorcist."